Week 5 Discussion: Gladwell, strong ties and weak ties
Humanities
Initial Post: Due Friday by 11:59pm. Responses: Due Sunday by 11:59pm
Instructions
Please respond the the questions below.
1. In his essay, Gladwell tells us about two concepts, strong ties and weak ties, and he contrasts them. What are strong ties and weak ties, and how do they differ? Use one of Gladwell’s examples to explain this distinction in your own words.
2. Pay attention to the ways Gladwell’s use of those terms (strong/weak ties) helps him build his own analysis of the relationship between social media and revolution. What connections does he establish between social media and the idea of revolution?
3. Gladwell writes, “High-risk activism, McAdam concluded, is a ‘strong-tie’ phenomenon” (81). What does this mean? How does Gladwell use this idea of a “‘strong-tie’ phenomenon” to explain “why the revolution will not be tweeted”?
4. Gladwell claims that networks are very different from hierarchies. Why does Gladwell think this difference matters when it comes to social media and social change? What do you think about the difference?
Grading:
To receive the full credit, you must submit initial response on time and respond to two of your classmates on time. Please respond in full sentences and be as detailed as possible. Your initial post should be around 300 words while your responses should be between 150-200 words and go beyond “I agree/disagree.”
